Step 1 - Sample
Obtain a sample and mount it to the Sample Mounting Stage as shown in Figure 1.

1. The sample should be sanded flat on both sides.
2. The sample thickness should be 4 cm. (1 inch.), or less.
3. The sample should be mounted to the stage in a manner which prevents it from moving during image acquisition. Application of putty as shown in Figure 1 has proven effective in securing the sample.
4. The sample should be mounted as level as possible on the mounting stage.
5. The sample should be mounted to provide for image acquisition of vertical rings along the X axis (the long axis - see System Components above) and to prevent the possibility of collision with objects near the XY Positioning table.
6. Cracks, wedges, and sap ducts along the path of image acquisition should be avoided.

Step 2 - Turn on Sample Illumination
Turn-on and adjust sample illumination level by turning knob on lighting power supply as shown in Figure 1.

1. Do NOT turn on power to the Motor Controller or Focus Controller at this time.

Step 3 - Adjust Magnification, Focus, and Illumination Level

1. Using the magnification adjust knob (see Figure 2), set magnification to its lowest setting (1.1x). Do NOT change this setting while performing image acquisition.
2. Using the manual focus adjust knob while viewing the sample through the microscope binoculars, adjust the focus to its best setting for your eyesight. The larger (inside) ring performs rough focusing and the smaller (outside) ring performs fine focusing.
3. Re-adjust the illumination level as required. (see above)
4. IMPORTANT: It is important that the power to the automatic focus controller is turned OFF during manual focus adjustment. Damage to the focus controller could result otherwise.

Step 4 - Turn on XY Positioning Table Motor Controller and Automatic Focus Controller Power
Prior to acquiring images you must turn the power on to the XY Positioning Table Motor Controller and Automatic Focus Controller (see Figure 4).

1. Do NOT make manual adjustments using the manual focus knob after turning on the focus controller.
2. You may make manual adjustments to the focus using the electronic control knob (not shown).

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